The City Government of Davao, through the City Health Office (CHO), encouraged Dabawenyos to avail of free health services in their respective district health centers.
Dr. Michelle Schlosser said the city’s 18 district health centers do not only cater to COVID-19 vaccinations but also offer an extensive range of health services even before the pandemic started. Only this year that the COVID-19 vaccination integrated into their regular services.
Schlosser, the spokesperson for Davao City COVID-19 Task Force, issued this statement during the COVID-19 Alert program of the 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) aired on Wednesday, November 16.
She said that although the new CHO building is now open to serve Dabawenyos, the services there are limited, unlike in district health centers.
“You can avail of checkups here sa dispensary, apart from requesting health cards, katong mga wala katuod sa ilang district health centers. Diri kasi dispensary lang, checkup lang (You can avail of checkup here at the dispensary apart from requesting health cards, those who don’t know where their district health centers are. But here at CHO, it’s just dispensary, for checkups only),” the city health official said.
Schlosser said that in the city’s 18 district health centers, Dabawenyos can avail of complete services and they are also conveniently located, being closer and more accessible to district residents.
The city health official said, “We’re encouraging everyone magpa-checkup gyud kay kung unsa’y reseta ninyo before doesn’t mean mao gihapon karon. Mas maayo gyud ma physically check mo sa inyong mga tagsa-tagsa nga doktor sa distrito aron mas updated ang health status ninyo, ma-prescribe right medicines sa imohang current nga sakit (We are encouraging everyone to get a checkup since your previous might not be the same today. It’s better to have a checkup with your district doctor so that your health status is updated and you will be prescribed the right medicines for your current condition).”
Schlosser, who is also the Bunawan Health District head, said regular health programs include general checkups for adults and pediatrics on Mondays and Tuesdays; routine vaccine immunization days for infants and children on Wednesdays; pre-natal checkups for pregnant women; and checkups for those with cardiovascular diseases including hypertension on Fridays.
Patients can get their district health doctor’s prescribed medicines free from the district health center or Botika ng Bayan.
District health centers, according to her, also have special clinics offering specific health services like a chest center, one center catering to pulmonary problems, a drug rehabilitation center, mental wellness, and a dietician/nutritionist clinic. CIO
